Planning

Specialist Technical and Commercial Advisory for Rail and Other Transport Systems Framework (STARFour)

DEPARTMENT FOR TRANSPORT

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Planning

09 Jan 2026 at 14:32

Planning

24 Dec 2025 at 13:38

Summary of the contracting process

The Department for Transport is in the planning stage for its upcoming STARFour Framework, a significant procurement initiative aimed at providing specialist technical and commercial advisory services for transport sectors in the UK. This process follows the existing STARThree Framework, with the new framework planned to commence on 31 July 2027 and be operational until 30 July 2030, with a potential extension to July 2031. Located in London, the Department has scheduled a market engagement deadline for feedback on 28 January 2026. The procurement falls within the services category, with a substantial value of up to £420 million. This competitive flexible procedure emphasises SME participation and will be conducted as a closed, multi-lot framework agreement.

The STARFour Framework presents a valuable opportunity for businesses specialising in various consultancy services including civil engineering, feasibility studies, environmental monitoring, and project design to engage in the lucrative transport advisory sector. It is particularly suited for SMEs looking to expand their portfolio in government contracts, drive innovation, and deliver value for money. This initiative is not only addressing net zero strategies and decarbonisation challenges but also facilitating multi-modal integration and adaptive strategies for industry restructuring, making it an attractive proposition for consultancies aiming to contribute significantly to national transport infrastructure growth.

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Notice Title

Specialist Technical and Commercial Advisory for Rail and Other Transport Systems Framework (STARFour)

Notice Description

In line with its commitment to increasing investment in the UK's transport infrastructure, the Department for Transport (DfT) requires ongoing access to high-quality, specialist technical and commercial advisory services. This need is currently fulfilled through the STARThree Framework, which succeeded the Specialist Technical Advisory for Rail (STARTwo) Framework--both managed by the Department's Group Commercial Directorate (GCD). The Department for Transport intends to publish the STARFour Framework, a fourth generation, closed, multi-lot framework agreement to succeed the STARThree Framework (expiring July 2027). However, this will be subject to approvals and market engagement feedback. STARFour will provide continued access to specialist technical and commercial advisory services across all transport sectors, supporting the Department, its ALBs, and other qualifying bodies. Building on the success of STARThree, the new framework will encourage SME participation, promote innovation, and deliver value for money through streamlined procurement routes including mini-competitions and direct awards. The STARFour Framework is essential to maintain a fit-for-purpose, flexible, and cost-effective route for specialist transport technical and commercial advice following the expiry of STARThree. As transport challenges grow--across net zero strategies, decarbonisation, multi-modal integration, and industry restructuring--STARFour will ensure DfT, ALBs and qualifying bodies have continued access to critical expertise across all transport sectors, not just rail.

Planning Information

The Department for Transport is launching preliminary market engagement for the STARFour Framework. Alongside this notice, we have shared the proposed STARFour Category Chart and Category List for your review. A short video briefing has also been prepared, providing background on the STARFour Framework and outlining its scope and objectives. This can be accessed using this link: https://tinyurl.com/STARFourFramework We are keen to gather views on the proposed scope and overall structure of STARFour and welcome your feedback to help shape our approach. Please share your views by completing the survey using the following link: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/FOUR0000MarketSoundingQuestionnaire/ We kindly ask that responses are submitted no later than 5pm on Wednesday 28 January 2026. In order to access the proposed STARFour Category Chart and Category List, please use the Jaggaer online portal using the following link: https://dft.app.jaggaer.com/go/77730479019BA2F83148 If you are not already registered on the Department for Transport's e-sourcing platform Jaggaer, you can register via the following link: https://dft.app.jaggaer.com/ Thank you for your engagement. We look forward to receiving your feedback.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05fd57
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/001922-2026
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Competitive flexible procedure
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

71 - Architectural, construction, engineering and inspection services

72 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support

73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

79 - Business services: law, marketing, consulting, recruitment, printing and security


CPV Codes

71241000 - Feasibility study, advisory service, analysis

71242000 - Project and design preparation, estimation of costs

71244000 - Calculation of costs, monitoring of costs

71311000 - Civil engineering consultancy services

71311200 - Transport systems consultancy services

71311230 - Railway engineering services

71311300 - Infrastructure works consultancy services

71313410 - Risk or hazard assessment for construction

71313420 - Environmental standards for construction

71313430 - Environmental indicators analysis for construction

71313440 - Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) services for construction

71313450 - Environmental monitoring for construction

72240000 - Systems analysis and programming services

73210000 - Research consultancy services

73220000 - Development consultancy services

73300000 - Design and execution of research and development

79311100 - Survey design services

79311300 - Survey analysis services

79311410 - Economic impact assessment

79312000 - Market-testing services

79313000 - Performance review services

79314000 - Feasibility study

79315000 - Social research services

79411100 - Business development consultancy services

79412000 - Financial management consultancy services

79413000 - Marketing management consultancy services

79417000 - Safety consultancy services

79418000 - Procurement consultancy services

79419000 - Evaluation consultancy services

79421100 - Project-supervision services other than for construction work

79421200 - Project-design services other than for construction work

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£350,000,000 £100M-£1B
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
9 Jan 20261 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
8 May 20263 months to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
30 Jul 2027 - 30 Jul 2030 3-4 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planned
Lots Status
Planned
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
DEPARTMENT FOR TRANSPORT
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
star3-framework@dft.gov.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
LONDON
Postcode
SW1P 4DR
Post Town
South West London
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLI London
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLI3 Inner London - West
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLI35 Westminster and City of London
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
Westminster
Electoral Ward
Vincent Square
Westminster Constituency
Cities of London and Westminster

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts.

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